Yaindl



C. YAINDL March 10, 1964 I 3,124,161 PRESSURIZED FLUID OPERATEDDISTRIBUTOR-TIMER ASSEMBLY 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Jan. 21, 1958INVENTOR ATTO R N EY March 10, 1964 c. YAINDL 3,124,161

PRESSURIZED FLUID OPERATED DISTRIBUTOR-TIMER ASSEMBLY Original FiledJan. 21. 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 a/a v I 5 72 March 10, 1964 c. YAINDL3,124,161

PRESSURIZED FLUID OPERATED DISTRIBUTOR-TIMER ASSEMBLY Original FiledJan. 21, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 March 10, 1964 C. YAINDL PRESSURIZED'FLUID OPERATED DISTRIBUTOR-TIMER ASSEMBLY Original Filed Jan. 21, 19585 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATT RNEY March 10, 1964 c. YAINDL 3,124,161

PRESSURIZED FLUID OPERATED DISTRIBUTOR-TIMER ASSEMBLY Original FiledJan. 21, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR 2 BY A RNEY United States Patent3,124,151 PRESSURTZED FLUID OPERATED DISTREUTUR- TMER ASSEMBLY CharlesYaindl, Allentown, Pa, assignor to The Aldrich Pump Qompany, Allentown,Pa, a corporation of Pennsylvania (iriginal application Jan. 21, 1958,Ser. No. 710,274, now Patent No. 3,039,393, dated June 19, 1%2. Dividedand this application Feb. 28, 1962, Ser. No. 176,342

(Iiaims. (Cl. l37o24.l8)

This invention relates to control mechanisms and more particularly to apressurized fluid operated distributortimer assembly.

This application is a divisional application of copending applicationSerial No. 710,274, filed January 21, 1958, and now Patent No.3,039,393, dated June 19, 1962. The pressurized fluid operateddistributor-timer assembly forming the subject matter of thisapplication may be employed in conjunction with apparatuses other thanmulti-plunger type pump installations for control of suction valves asdisclosed in the aforementioned parent application and as hereinafterdisclosed for purposes of illustration. It is believed obvious that thepressurized fluid operated distributor-timer assembly according to thisinvention has application to many types of apparatuses wherein a sourceof fluid under pressure is available and it is desired to sequentiallycontrol, either electrically or pneumatically, operation of othercomponents or devices.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide adistributor-timer assembly which is of relatively simple and inexpensiveconstruction and capable of quickly and accurateiy sequentiallycontrolling the operation of other devices to which it is connected.

The distributor-timer assembly according to one embodiment of thisinvention comprises a housing having a chamber adapted to receive arotor therein. The rotor is drivably connected to a suitable source ofrotary power, as for example, a crankshaft of an internal combustion orgas engine, a shaft of an electric or fluid motor, for rotation withinthe chamber. A timer head is secured to the housing to form one wall ofthe chamher. The means for securing the timer head to the housing isconstructed and arranged to permit angular adjusunent of the timer headrelative to the housing. The rotor is dimensioned with respect to thesize of the chamber so that when the rotor is in close association withthe surface of the timer head, it is spaced from and forms with thechamber wall opposite the timer head a secondary chamber. The secondarychamber is connected through conduit means to a suitable source of fluidunder pressure to receive pressurized fluid therein and thereby forceand maintain the rotor in close association with the timer head. Aplurality of circumferentially spaced recesses or channels are providedin the timer head, each of which communicates with the rotor chamber. Apiston is reciprocably mounted in each of the recesses which piston isyieldably biased, as by a spring in a direction toward the rotor. Toprovide for flow of pressurized fluid to the recesses, the rotor isprovided with passage means which communicates with a source of fluidunder pressure or a zone of lower pressure depending upon the positionof a control valve. With the control valve adjusted in one position, thepassage means is continuously in communication at one end with thesource of fluid under pressure as the rotor rotates and at the oppositeend sequentially communicates with the recesses in the timer head as therotor rotates relative to the timer head. Each of the pistons is adaptedto actuate a suitable control means, such as an electrical switch, whenmoved away from the rotor under pressure of fluid conducted to therecess upon registry of the recess with the passage means of the rotor.Each of the pistons is returned toward the rotor and its initialposition under the urging of the biasing springs when the control valveis actuated to communicate the passage means with the low pressure zoneto thereby release the pressure in each of the recesses as the lattercommunicates with the passage means.

In the distributor-timer assembly according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention, the timer head is modified to comprise a valveconnected to each piston so that movement of each piston actuates thevalve associated therewith to control flow of pressurized fluid throughports and passages interconnecting a pressurized fluid chamber formed inthe timer head with an outlet opening in the timer head. The secondembodiment also provides for each piston a pressurized fluid means foryieldably biasing the pistons in a direction toward the rotor.

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription thereof when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawing wherein two embodiments of the invention are illustrated by wayof example and in which:

FIG. 1 is a View in elevation of the distributor-timer assembly,according to one embodiment of the present invention, schematicallyshown connected to a control mechanism of a muiti-plunger type pump, therelation of the components being shown for the unload condition of thesuction valves and the double acting pistons and the distributor-timerassembly being supplied from independent sources of pressurized fluid;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing in particular the electricalconnections between certain of the components of the mechanism of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional View of the distributor-timerassembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross section taken on the lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross section taken on the lines 55 of FIG. 3;

PEG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a distributortimer assemblyaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention, which isschematically shown connected to a multi-plunger type pump for controlof suction valves, the relationship of the components being illustratedfor the unload condition of the suction valves and the pressurized fluidfor the double acting pistons and the distributor-timer assembly beingsupplied from the same source;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken on the lines 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross section taken on the lines 88 of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 9 is a partial view of certain of the components of FIG. 6illustrating another operative position of the distributor-timerassembly shown in FIG. 6.

The distributor-timer assembly of the present invention will bedescribed as it may be utilized in a triplex or three plunger pump, forexample a pump such as shown in the Shelly Patent 2,243,888, assigned tothe same assignee as this application. Pumps of this nature are Wellknown by those skilled in the art and, therefore, need not be describedin detail herein. Suflice it to say that such pumps comprise in generala power section and pumping section, both being mounted on a frame withthe power section having a crankshaft and drive motor together withconnecting rods which couple the crankshaft with the plungers in thepumping section.

While the invention herein will be described in connection with a threeplunger type pump, it is to be understood that the invention isapplicable where the pump may contain one or any number of plungers andto apa a paratuses other than pump installations. It is contemplatedthat the distributor-timer assembly according to the present inventionmay be applied to any apparatus where sequential control of theoperation of othercomponents or devices is desired and wherein a sourceof fluid under pressure may be available or made available.

For purposes of clarity, the components of the pump installation towhich the distributor-timer assembly is connected for illustrationpurposes will be described prior to describing in detail theconstruction of the distributortimer assembly.

As shown in FIG. 1, the novel pressurized fluid operateddistributor-timer assembly according to this invention is shownconnected to a pump for changing the pump from load to unload condition,when any one pump plunger (designated by dot-dash lines A, B, or C) issubstantially near the end of the discharge stroke or at the beginningof the suction stroke. The suction valves for the pump are designated as8-1, S43 and S3 and have double acting pistons P-1, P2, and P3, themovement of each piston to assume load and unload conditions beingcontrolled by control valves CV1, CV-Z, and CV-3. The control valveseffect transfer of fluid as between the double acting pistons and asource of fluid pressure generally designated FP-l. In the loadcondition, piston rods 1, 2, and 3 disengage from valve stems 4i, 5, and6 when the solenoids are energized so that the suction valves are freeto seat and unseat depending upon the action of the plungers A, B, andC.

The distributor-timer assembly comprises, in general, a timer mechanismT, a distributor mechanism D which is connected to a source of fluidpressure designated by FP-2 which, in this instance, is independent ofthe source FP-l. The distributor-timer assembly is connected to andoperated in synchronism with the rotation of the crankshaft CS for thepump or with the reciprocating motion of the plungers. The distributormechanism D operates to transfer fluid as between the source FP2 and thetimer mechanism T to cause the same appropriately to energize andde-energize the solenoids 1%, 111b, and 1G0 which control the actuationof control valves CV-1, CV-2, and CV-3, respectively. It is contemplatedthat the distributor and timer assembly be relatively adjustable so thatthe change from load to unload conditions can be effected within certainlimits, for example, extending near the end of the discharge stroke toslightly after the beginning of the suction stroke.

In FIG. 6 the elements described above have been designated bycorresponding primed letters and numerals, for example, the suctionvalves are designated as S-1', S2 and 8-3; the double acting pistons byP-ll, P-Z, and P-3, with their control valves, one of which is shown atCV1. The timer mechanism is designated by T, the distributor mechanismby D and the source of fluid pressure for the distributor and doubleacting pistons by FP-Z, as in this arrangement the same source is used.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the numeral 13 designates a fluid pressureoperated switch which is connected with the source FP-l and the numeral14 designates a pressure operated switch which is connected to thesource FP-Z. When the sources FP1 and FP-Z are activated, both of theseswitches are closed. These switches are in series and are interconnectedto the holding circuit for the controller of the motor driving thecrankshaft CS via the power lines 15. Thus, if there is a failure ofsources FP1 or FP-Z, to operate properly, one or the other or both ofthe switches are open and immediately stop the operation of the pump.

In connection with FIG. 6, there is only a single source of fluidpressure FP-Z' and, therefore, it is only necessary to use a singleswitch such as 14 in the pump motor holding circuit.

In general the operation of the elements of FIGS. 1 and 6 are asfollows:

In FIG. 1 a switch designated 16 controls a valve V.

When the switch is in the normally open position, the valve V operatesso that there is no fluid pressure trans ferred from the source FP2 tothe distributor mechanism D. At this time the solenoids lira, etc., aretie-energized, the effect of which is to arrange the pump in the unloadcondition. When it is desired to load the pump, the switch 16 is closed.This efiects a transfer of fluid pressure from the source FP-Z to thedistributor mechanism D which transfers fluid to the timing mechanism Twhich operates to energize the solenoids 1%, etc. The ene gizing of thesolenoids effects a transfer of fluid between the source FTP-1 and thepistons P1, etc., so that the same cause the suction valves S1, etc., toassume the load condition. When it is desired to unload the pump, theswitch 16 is opened.

In FIG. 6 a switch and valve similar to switch 16 and valve V are used.When the switch is in the opened condition there is no transfer of fluidpressure from the source FP-Z' to the distributor. However, the controlvalves CV-l, etc., are arranged so that fluid is transferred to thepistons P1', etc., in a manner to operate the same so that the suctionvalves 8-1, etc., are in unload condition. When the switch 16 is closed,fluid is transferred to the distributor and thence to the timer whichcauses operation of the control valves to effect a transfer of fluid asbetween the source FP-Z' and the double acting pistons P-l, etc., in amanner so that the pistons are moved to cause the suction valves toassume a load condition. When it is desired to unload the pump, theswitch is opened.

, Having described in general the components and the manner ofoperation, I will now go into a more detailed description.

In FIG. 1 the source of fluid pressure FP-l may be of the air type.Assuming the source FP-l to be of the air type it then includes an airsupply line 20, an air filter 21, an air pressure regulator 22, an airlubricator 23 together with a line 24 interconnected to each of thecontrol valves CV-1, etc. Each of the control valves has ports 25, 26,27 and 28, the port 25 in each valve being connected to the line 24.When the respective solenoids, 10a, etc., of the control valves are inde-energized condition, the valve interconnects ports 25 and 26 so thatair is supplied to the lower side of the pistons and air exhausted fromthe upper side via the line 31}, the interconnected ports 27 and 28 andexhaust line 31. When the solenoids of the valves are energized, theports 25 and 27 are interconnected so that fluid is supplied to the topside of the pistons and the ports 26 and 28 are interconnected so thatthe lower side of the pistons is connected to exhaust line 31. The line24 is also connected to the switch 13 which is set so that if the airpressure in the line 24- drops below a certain minimum value, the switchwill be open. This, of course, constitutes an interlock or a fail safetydevice.

The fluid pressure source FP-2 which may be hydraulic includes a pump 32driven by gears 33 interconnected to the crankshaft CS. Fluid for thepump is supplied from the oil sump 34 via line 35. As mentionedheretofore, the source FP-Z supplies fluid to the distributortimerassembly and the lines supplying this fluid are interconnected to thefail safe switch 14 which is arranged so that if the pressure dropsbelow a certain minimum, the switch will open to stop the operation ofthe motor driving the crankshaft CS. This connection is explained asfollows. It will be seen that discharge line 36 of the pump is connectedto a regulating valve 4% which in turn is connected to lines 41 and 42,the line 42 being connected to the switch 14. The line 41 is connectedto a regulating valve 43 having a return 44 to the sump 34. The line 41from the valve 40 is also interconnected to a line 45 supplying fluid tocertain pump lubrication lines 46, and line supplies fluid to thedistributor D for reasons which will be explained shortly.

The manner in which fluid is supplied from the source FP2 to thedistributor-timer assembly will now be described. The discharge line 36of the pump is connected to a line 51 provided with a Variable throttle52 which can be set so as to vary the rate of fluid flow through theline 51. The return line 53, which is connected to the sump 34, includesa variable throttle 54 which can be adjusted so as to vary the rate offluid flow through the line 53. Both the lines 51 and the line 53 areinterconnected to the valve V which is operated by a solenoid, the coilof which is indicated at 16'. This coil is in series with the switch 16and both elements are connected to a source of power via the lines 55.When the switch 1-6 is open (unload condition of the pump), the solenoidis tie-energized and the valve V is closed to supply line 51 and openfrom line 56 to line 53. At this time any fluid in line 56 (which isconnected to the distributor mechanism D) may flow through the valve Vto sump line 53. When the switch is closed (load condition of pump), thesolenoid is energized and the valve V is operated so as to interconnectthe line 51 with the line 56.

The details of construction of the distributor-timer assembly, accordingto one embodiment thereof, and the manner in which the same is operatedby the fluid pressure from line 56 or from source FP-Z will be describedin connection with FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

As shown in FIG. 3, a housing generally designated 60 has an internalbore forming a chamber 61 and a reduced bore 62 having a sleeve 63supporting a shaft 64 which is connected to the crankshaft CS as by jaws65 of the shaft 64 fitting a groove 65a in the crankshaft. Fixedlyconnected to the shaft 64 and disposed within the chamber 61 is a rotarydistributing valve 66. It will be noted that the rotor 66 has an axiallength which is shorter than the chamber 61 so that there is a space 7%open to a port 71 in the housing. This port 71 is interconnected to theline 5%, as indicated in FIG. 1. Fluid from the source FP2 istransferred to the space 70 for a purpose as will be describedhereinafter.

The rotor 66 has formed on the periphery thereof a groove '72 which isinterconnected to an axially extending passage 73. The groove 72; isopen to a port 74, which as seen in FIG. 1, is connected to the line 56.

Disposed on the housing is a disk-like distributor head 75, a shoulder76 of which extends slightly into the chamber 61. The head is providedwith three bores 79a, 7% and 7% which, as indicated in FIGA, arearranged concentrically with the axis of the rotor and spaced 120 apart.The innermost portion of each bore forms the channels 81a, i511) and810, all of which are adapted to register with the passage 73 in therotor 66 as the same is rotated. The outermost part of each bore mountsbushings 82a, 82b and 82c which respectively slidably support the pistonstems 83a, 83b and 830 of control pistons respectively connectedthereto. These pistons, one of which is indicated at 34a in FIG. 3, aredisposed respectively in the intermediate sections title, Sill) and 81%of the bores 79a, 7% and 7%, the intermediate sections forming chamhersor cylinders for the pistons. Secured to the distributor head is a cap$5 having three hollow sections 86a, 86b and 860 (FIGS. 3 and 5), thepiston stems 83a, 83b and 83c respectively extending to the hollowsections. As best seen in FIG. 3, the stem 33a is provided with ashoulder 9d and around the stem is disposed a washer 91 and a returnspring 92 is disposed between the washer and the hollow portion 86a. Thespring is arranged so as to urge the piston 84a toward the left or asshown in the position of FIG. 3. The stem 83a is bored and in the boreis mounted a spring loaded contactor 93a. The three pistons 84a, 84b and840 are similarly arranged, the contactor 93b and 930 being indicated inFIG. 5.

The cap 35 mounts three switches 94a, 94-17 and 940. In the position ofthe parts as shown in FIG. 3, the pistons 84a, $4!) and 84-0 and therespective contactors 93a, 93b and 93c are moved to the left so thateach contactor is spaced away from its switch. When a piston is moved tothe right, its contactor engages its switch so as to close the same.

The cap is held fast on the distributor head 75 by a plate 1% andattached to the plate is a stud 101 supporting a two part cover 102 heldon the stud by the nut 163. The cover Hi2 abuts a securing ring 1% whichis held fast on the housing 6% by the screws 1%. When the screws 1&5 arepulled up tight, the ring holds the distributor head firm against thehousing and when the nut 103 is pulled up tight, the cover 1% is heldfast against the ring 164.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the space 76 in the housing 60, fluid from thesource Fi Z enters the space and acts to press the rotor 66 firm againstthe head '75. Also, leakage of this fluid about the rotor 6% serves as alubricant and this leakage fluid is handled by the passage 97 and port74.

Referring to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the switches 94a, 94b and 940are interconnected to the solenoid coils 10a, 16!) and 1&0; each coiland its switch are series connected across the power supply lines 55 viathe lines 93.

In general, the timer-distributor assembly as applied to the pumpinstallation, herein described and illustrated, operates in thefollowing manner. The switch 16 is closed closed so that the valve Vpermits fluid from the source FP-Z to flow into the line 56 and thenceinto the groove 72, hence into the passage 73. The registry of thepassage 73 with any one of the channels 81a, etc., will cause fluid toreact against the control piston and move the same to the right. Thismovement of the piston will cause the actuator to contact its switch toclose the same and hence supply power to one of the solenoids Etta, etc.The pressure fluid trapped in channels 81a, etc., when the passage 73 inrotor as rotates out of registry with the channels, maintains controlpistons 8%, etc., to the right so that switches 94a, etc., keep thesolenoids energized and thereby valves S1, etc., in a loaded conditionof operation. When the switch 16 is open so that the groove 72 and line56 are connected to sump via the line 53, registry of the passage 73with any one of the channels 81a, etc., will relieve the fluid acting onthe piston so that the piston will be moved to the left by the action ofits return spring.

The channels '81a, 81b and 81c in the timer mechanism T and the passage73 in the distributor mechanism D are arranged with respect to thecrankshaft so that .when the crank is in a rotary position whereby itsconnected plunger is at the end of the discharge stroke, the passage 73will be in registry with the particular channel associated with theplunger. Thus when the portion of the crankshaft labeled a is in itslowermost position (as shown), the interconnected plunger is at the endof the discharge stroke and at this time the passage 73 is in registrywith the channel 81a so that fluid can be supplied (assuming the pump tobe load) to move the piston 84a whereby to close the switch and energizethe solenoid 1%. When that part of the crankshaft labeled b is in itsbo-ttommost position, its associated plunger is also at the end of thedischarge stroke and the passage 73 is lined up with the channel 8112 sothat the piston 84!) will .be actuated. When the portion of thecrankshaft c is in its lowermost position, the passage 73 is in registrywith the channel 310 so that the piston 840 will be actuated. As will beapparent, the unloading of the pump also takes place when the portionsa, b, and c of the crankshaft are in their lowermost positions.

Under the usual cond tion of pump operation, the fluid from FP-Il iskept energized so that the suction valves are kept in unload condition.When loading is called for, the switch 16 is closed and when the same issubsequently opened, the pump returns to no-load condition. The switch16 may be manually or automatically operated.

One of the features of the distributor-timer assembly is that therelative positions of the channels 81a etc.

with respect to the passage '73 can be adjusted. This adjustment featurein the installation herein described permits loading or unloading of thesuction valves. As seen in FIG. 5, the timer head 75 is provided with apair of ears 1% and 167. Now, if the screws N95 are loosened and theears 1d? tapped lightly, the timer head 75 can be moved clockwise orcounter-clockwise, hence change its relative position with respect tothe passage 73 or the crankshaft CS. For example, assuming clockwiserotation of the crank, as viewed in FIG. 4, when the portion a of thecrank has reached the lowermost position, the associated plunger is atthe end of the discharge stroke or at the beginning of the suctionstroke. -f the timer head has been previously moved clockwise, the crankmust continue its motion (and its associated plunger will have startedthe suction stroke) before there is a registry between the passage 73and the channel 81a. On the other hand, it the timer head had been movedcounter-clockwise, then it will be seen that registry of the passage '73and a channel 81a would take place just prior to the portion a reachingthe lowermost position or when its plunger is near the end of itsdischarge stroke.

The construction of the distributor-timer assembly according to anotherembodiment of this invention shown in FIGS. 69 will be explained. Theparts of FIGS. 69 which correspond to those of FIGS. 1-5 are identifiedby the same numerals and letters but having a prime mark.

In the embodiment and arrangement of FIGS. 69, the various controlvalves CV1, etc., are formed integrally with the distributor timerassembly and a single source of fluid pressure is used for the doubleacting pistons P- 1, etc., and for operating the distributor mechanism Dand the timer mechanism T.

In FIG. 6 the line 561' is connected to the source FP-2 in the samemanner as line 55 as explained in connection with FIG. 1. The line 56'is also connected to the port "74' which is open to the channel 72 in arotor 66, the channel being connected to the passage 73. The timer head'75 has three bores which form three channels, one of which is indicatedat Ma and form the cylinders, one of which is indicated at 8%. Each ofthe cylinders has a control piston, one of which is indicated at 84a.

On the timer head 75 is mounted a housing 110 which has a central bore111 having annular ports 112 and 113 and an end port 114. The port 114-is connected to a line 115 provided with a check valve 116. Line 115 isconnected to a line 117 which is connected to the discharge side of thepump of fluid pressure source FPZ, line 51 in FIG. 1. The housing 11thholds the distributor head 75" fast against the housing as, the housing11%) in turn being held last to the housing 69 by way of the rings .120and 121 pulled into engagement with the screws 185.

The housing 1 1% is provided with three bores 122 a, 1225 and 122c whichare in registry with the cylinders 89a, etc. Each of these bores has abushing identified by 123a, 1231) and 1233c. As best seen in FIG. 6, theshoulder end of each bushing extends into the corresponding cylindersSilo, etc. The outer end or" each bore 122a, etc., is provided with aplug, one of which is indicated at 124 in MG. 6. Each of the bushings123a slidably supports the spools 125a, 1251) and 125C, each having areduced section 125d, 125a and 125 The spools are respectively connectedto the control pistons 84a, 512 and $40. The spools respectively formthe control valves CV-Ir, CV2 and CV-E. On the periphery of the housingno is a slot 125 having a cover 13d which forms forms a chamber 131having a port 132 connected to a line 133 in turn connected to the oilsump 34 in FIG. 1.

As indicated in F168. 6 and 7, the midsection of each of the bushings isaper-tured at 1133a, 1133b and 1330 so as to be opened to a plurality ofports 1134a, 1134b and 134% which are in turn connected to a pluralityof fluid 0 lines 135a, 1351) and 135c which run directly to the loworside of the pistons P1, P2 and P-3.

The bushings are also apertured so as to be open to the slot 112, theaperture for the bushing 123a being indicated at 136. Each of thebushings is also apertured at 1137a, 133 b and 137c so as to be open tothe chamber The bushings are also apertured so as to be open to the slot113, the apertures for the bushing 123a being indicated at 138.

The position of the parts as shown in FIG. 6 is for unload conditionwherein the suction valves S-l', etc., are raised from their respectiveseats. For unload condition the line 56' is interconnected to line 53 inFIG. 1 so that any fluid in the slot 72, passage 73, and channel 81a isfree to go to sump The line 117 is connected to the source FP-Z' andtransfers fluid to the upper side of the pistons 1 -1, P-Z/ and P3.Fluid from the line 11! moves through the check valve 116, through theport 114 into the port 113, through the aperture 13 8 and reacts on theright-hand end of each spool a, 125!) and 125C to move the same to theleft. Fluid also will flow through the port .112 and into apertures 136and the position of each spool (see spool 125a) permits fluid to fiOlWfrom the apertures 136 into the space provided by the reduced sections125d, etc., of the spool, through the aperture 133a, etc., through theports 1340:, etc., and then into the lines a, 1351) and 135c to thelower side of the piston P-l', etc. Substantially the same unit pressureis acting on both sides of the pistons, but the area on the lower sideis much greater than that on the upper side; there will be a resultantforce tending to move the piston upwardly to unseat the valve.

For load conditions line 56 and groove '72 are supplied with fluid fromthe source FP-Z and when the passage 73' comes in registry with thechannels 81a, etc., the pistons 84a, etc., will be moved to the rightand held in that position by the pressure of the fiuid trapped inchannels 81a, etc., when the passage '73 rotates out of registry withthe channels. This will cut off the flow of fluid from the port 112 andinterconnect the lines 135a, etc., through port 137a, with the chamber131 which is connected to sump. The position of the spools to effectthis transfer is shown in FIG. 9. With the lower sides of the pistonsP1', etc., interconnected to sump, fluid from the line 117 reacting onthe upper sides of the pistons will move the same downwardly and thepiston rods disengage from the suction valve stems. The suction valvesare then free to seat and unseat as dictated by the positions of theirrespective plungers.

The distributor mechanism D and timer mechanism T may be adjustedrelative to each other so as to control the time when the loading orunloading takes place in a manner similar to that described above. Thisis accomplished by loosening the screws 1G5 and tapping the ears 1% or141 as indicated in FIG. 7.

The period of time for loading and unloading with respect to therevolutions of the crankshaft or the reciprocation of the pump plungersis accomplished by variable throttles (similar to throttles 52 and 54connected to the line 56) and by the bias force on the spools, forexample, by making the area of the end of the spool smaller so that moretime is required for the fluid to move the spool to the left.

Although two embodiments of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed in detail, it is to be expressly understood that the inventionis not limited thereto. Various changes can be made in the arrangementof parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,as the same will now be understood by those skilled in the art.

ii claim:

1. A distributor-timer assembly comprising a housing having a chambertherein, a rotor disposed for rotation within said chamber, rotary powermeans for rotating said rotor, a member connected to said housing toform one wall of said rotor chamber, the rotor being dimensioned inrelation to the chamber so that when said rotor is in close associationwith said member a secondary chamber is defined between the rotor andthe wall of said chamber opposite from said member, conduit means insaid housing communicating with a source of fluid under pressure andsaid secondary chamber to supply the latter with pressurized fluid tomaintain the rotor in close association with said member, said memberbeing provided with at least one piston cylinder communicating with saidchamber, a piston reciprocably mounted in said piston cylinder, passagemeans in said rotor communicating at one end with a source ofpressurized fluid and intermittently communicating at the opposite endwith said piston cylinder as the rotor rotates to supply pressurizedfluid to said piston cylinder and thereby cause movement of the piston,a control mechanism operative in response to movement of said piston,and means for relieving the pressure in said passage means and saidpiston cylinder so that said piston is allowed to return to its initialposition.

2. A distributor-timer assembly comprising a housing having one endopen, a wall member sealingly secured to the open end of said housing toform a cylindrical chamber within said housing, a rotor disposed forrotation within said chamber, rotary power means for rotating saidrotor, said rotor having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameterof said cylindrical chamber to provide a close running fit with thechamber and having a longitudinal dimension smaller than thelongitudinal dimension of said cylindrical chamber so that a secondarychamber is formed between an end wall of said chamber and the rotor,said housing having a port therein communicating with a source ofpressure fluid and with the secondary chamber to supply pressure fluidto the latter and thereby force and maintain said rotor in abutmentagainst said wall member during rotation of the rotor, said memberhaving at least one piston cylinder communicating with said chamber, apiston disposed in said piston cylinder for reciprocation therein,passage means in said rotor in communication at one end with a source ofpressure fluid and intermittently communicating at the other end withsaid piston cylinder as the rotor rotates to supply pressure fluid tosaid piston cylinder and thereby cause movement of the piston, a controlmechanism operative in response to movement of said piston, and meansfor relieving the pressure in said passage means and said pistoncylinder so that said piston is allowed to return to its initalposition.

3. A distributor-timer assembly comprising a housing having one endopen, a wall member secured in a fluid tight manner to the housing toclose said open end thereof and to form a cylindrical chamber within thehousing, a cylindrical shaped rotor rotatably mounted in said chamber,the rotor having means for connection with a source of rotary power soas to be rotated by the later, said rotor having a longitudinaldimension smaller than the longitudinal dimension of said cylindricalchamber so that said rotor and an end wall of the chamber opposite saidmember define therebetween a secondary chamber, said housing having aport therein communicating with a source of pressurized fluid and withthe secondary chamber to supply pressure fluid to the latter and therebybias said rotor in abutment against said wall member, said member havingat least one piston cylinder for reciprocation therein, passage means insaid rotor in communication at one end with a source of pressurizedfluid and intermittently communicating at the other end with said pistoncylinder as the rotor rotates to supply pressurized fluid to said pistoncylinder and thereby cause movement of the piston, means for yieldablybiasing the piston in a direction toward the rotor, a control memberoperative in response to movement of said piston, and means forrelieving the pressure fluid in said passage means and said i pistoncylinder so that the biasing means is effective to return the piston toits initial position.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said biasing means is a spring.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said biasing means includes apressure surface connected to said piston and means for supplyingpressurized fluid to said pressure surface.

6. A distributor-timer assembly comprising a housing having a chambertherein, a rotor disposed for rotation within said chamber, rotary powermeans for rotating the rotor, a wall member secured to said housing toform one wall of said chamber, said rotor having a dimension along itsaxis of rotation smaller than the longitudinal dimension of said chamberso that a space is formed between the rotor and the wall of said chamberopposite the wall member, a port in said housing communicating at oneend with said space and at the opposite end with a source of pressurizedfluid to receive and pass pressurized fluid into said space to therebybias said rotor in abutment against said member, said wall member havinga plurality of circumferentially spaced piston cylinders communicatingwith said chamber, a piston reciprocably mounted in each of the pistoncylinders, passage means in said rotor communicating at one end with asource of pressurized fluid and sequentially communicating with each ofthe piston cylinders as the rotor rotates to sequentially supplypressurized fluid to each of said piston cylinders and thereby effectsequential movement of each of the pistons, means for biasing each ofthe pistons in a direction toward the rotor, a control mechanism foreach of said pistons operative in response to movement of a pistonassociated therewith, and means for releasing the pressure fluid in saidpassage means and in each of said piston cylinders as each pistoncylinder communicates with said passage means so that the biasing meansis effective to return each of the pistons to its initial position.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said wall member is a timer headhaving a pressurized fluid chamber therein and inlet ports connected toreceive pressurized fluid and outlet ports to discharge pressurizedfluid therefrom, and wherein said control mechanism for each of thepistons is a valve for controlling flow of pressurized fluid through anoutlet port.

8. A distributor-timer assembly comprising, a housing formed with achamber and a pair of fluid ports for conducting fluid to said chamber,a cylindrically-shaped rotor rotatably mounted in said chamber andhaving a peripheral groove open to one of said ports and having apassage extending substantially parallel to the axis of said rotor fromone end of said rotor to said peripheral groove, a disk-like timer headmounted on the housing and covering one end of said chamber, the rotorbeing of an axial length shorter than said chamber whereby fluidentering the other of said ports urges the rotor into close associationwith the timer head, means for holding the timer head firm against thehousing but providing for the same to be angularly adjustable, aplurality of channels in said timer head, each adapted to register withthe passage in said rotor as the same is rotated; for each channel, acontrol piston movable back and forth therein, means yieldably biasingeach control piston toward the rotor, and each piston being adapted tobe moved away from the rotor when fluid in said groove is transferred tothe piston by the registry of the channels and passage, controlmechanism operated by the motion of said pistons away from the rotor,and means for relieving the pressure fluid in the passage in the rotorand in each of said channels as the channels register with the passagein the rotor so that each of the biasing means is eflective to move eachof the control pistons toward the rotor.

9. A distributor-timer assembly comprising, a housing formed with achamber and a pair of fluid ports for conducting fluid to said chamber,a cylindrically-shaped rotor rotatably mounted in said chamber andhaving a peripheral groove open to one of said ports and having anaxial- 1y extending passage open to the groove, a disk-like timer headmounted on the housing and covering the mouth of said chamber, the rotorbeing of an axial length shorter than said chamber whereby fluidentering said second port urges the rotor in close association with thetimer head, means for holding the timer head firm against the housingbut providing for the same to be angularly adjustable, a plurality ofchannels in said timer head, each adapted to register with the passagein said rotor as the same is rotated; for each channel, a control pistonmovable back and forth therein; for each piston, a spring yieldablybiasing the same toward said rotor and each piston being adapted to bemoved away from the rotor when fluid in said groove is transferred tothe piston by the registry of said channels and said passage, a controlmechanism including a plurality of switches, one for each piston,mounted on the timer head and each adapted to be actuated by themovements of its associated piston, and means for relieving the fluidpressure in said axial passage, the groove, and in each of the channelsas the axial passage registers with each of the channels to allow thesprings to move each of the pistons associated therewith toward therotor.

10. A distributor-timer assembly comprising, a housing formed with achamber and a pair of fluid ports for conducting fluid to said chamber,said chamber having a mouth, a cylindrically-shaped rotor rotatablymounted in said chamber and having a peripheral groove open to one ofsaid ports and having an axially extending passage 132 open to thegroove, a disk-like timer head mounted on the housing and covering themouth of said chamber, the rotor being of an axial length shorter thansaid chamber whereby fluid entering said second port urges the rotor inclose association with the timer head, means for holding the timer headfirm against the housing but providing for the same to be angularlyadjustable, a plurality of channels in said timer head, each adapted toregister with the passage in said rotor as the same is rotated; for eachchannel, a control piston movable back and forth therein, fluid actuatedmeans for yieldably biasing each piston toward said rotor, and eachpiston being adapted to be moved away from the rotor when fluid in saidgroove is transferred to the piston by the registry of said channels andsaid passage, a control mechanism including, for each piston, a valveconnected thereto and arranged to control fluid flow, and means forreleasing the fluid in said groove and in each of said channels as thelatter register with the passage in said rotor so that said fluidactuated means is effective to return each of said pistons toward saidrotor.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,763,154 Holzworth June 10, 1930 2,079,041 Ryan et al. May 4, 19373,019,777 Candelise Feb. 6, 1962

10. A DISTRIBUTOR-TIMER ASSEMBLY COMPRISING, A HOUSING FORMED WITH ACHAMBER AND A PAIR OF FLUID PORTS FOR CONDUCTING FLUID TO SAID CHAMBER,SAID CHAMBER HAVING A MOUTH, A CYLINDRICALLY-SHAPED ROTOR ROTATABLYMOUNTED IN SAID CHAMBER AND HAVING A PERIPHERAL GROOVE OPEN TO ONE OFSAID PORTS AND HAVING AN AXIALLY EXTENDING PASSAGE OPEN TO THE GROOVE, ADISK-LIKE TIMER HEAD MOUNTED ON THE HOUSING AND COVERING THE MOUTH OFSAID CHAMBER, THE ROTOR BEING OF AN AXIAL LENGTH SHORTER THAN SAIDCHAMBER WHEREBY FLUID ENTERING SAID SECOND PORT URGES THE ROTOR IN CLOSEASSOCIATION WITH THE TIMER HEAD, MEANS FOR HOLDING THE TIMER HEAD FIRMAGAINST THE HOUSING BUT PROVIDING FOR THE SAME TO BE ANGULARLYADJUSTABLE, A PLURALITY OF CHANNELS IN SAID TIMER HEAD, EACH ADAPTED TOREGISTER WITH THE PASSAGE IN SAID ROTOR AS THE SAME IS ROTATED; FOR EACHCHANNEL, A CONTROL PISTON MOVABLE BACK AND FORTH THEREIN, FLUID ACTUATEDMEANS FOR YIELDABLY BIASING EACH PISTON TOWARD SAID ROTOR, AND EACHPISTON BEING ADAPTED TO BE MOVED AWAY FROM THE ROTOR WHEN FLUID IN SAIDGROOVE IS TRANSFERRED TO THE PISTON BY THE REGISTRY OF SAID CHANNELS ANDSAID PASSAGE, A CONTROL MECHANISM INCLUDING, FOR EACH PISTON, A VALVECONNECTED THERETO AND ARRANGED TO CONTROL FLUID FLOW, AND MEANS FORRELEASING THE FLUID IN SAID GROOVE AND IN EACH OF SAID CHANNELS AS THELATTER REGISTER WITH THE PASSAGE IN SAID ROTOR SO THAT SAID FLUIDACTUATED MEANS IS EFFECTIVE TO RETURN EACH OF SAID PISTONS TOWARD SAIDROTOR.